Alabama home brewing bill

Alabama had been the only state banning the home brewing of beer and wine, but the Legislature passed a bill Tuesday. A spokeswoman for Gov. Robert Bentley says he signed the bill Thursday. The new law takes effect immediately.

The American Homebrewers Association estimates there are 5,000 home brewers in Alabama, even though the practice has been illegal.

The new law allows them to make 15 gallons of beer or wine every three months. It cannot be sold.

The Senate voted 18-7 Tuesday night for a home brewing bill. The bill passed the House earlier and now goes to the governor for signing into law. Gov. Robert Bentley said recently he had no objections to the bill because it does not allow home brewers to sell their beer or wine.

Alabama has been the only state prohibiting home brewing. The bill allows adults to make 15 gallons of beer or wine every three months.